Profile of an Active Shooter

An Active Shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area; in most cases, active shooters use firearms and there is not pattern or method to their selection of victims. Active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly. Typically, the immediate deployment of law enforcement is required to stop the shooting and mitigate harm to victims. Because active shooter situations are often over within 10 to 15 minutes, before law enforcement arrives on the scene, individuals must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with an active shooter situation.

Good Practices for Coping with an Active Shooter Situation

Be aware of your environment and any possible dangers

Take note of the two nearest exits in any facility you visit

If you are in an office or dorm room, stay there and secure the door

If you are in a hallway, get into a room and secure the door

As a last resort, attempt to take the active shooter down. When the shooter is at close range and you cannot flee, your chance of survival is much greater if you try to incapacitate him/her.

CALL 911 WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO DO NOT HANG UP – STAY ON THE LINE

Information to provide to law enforcement or 911 operator:

Location of the active shooter

Number of shooters, if more than one

Physical description of shooter(s)

Number and type of weapons held by the shooter(s)

Number of potential victims at the location

How to Respond When an Active Shooter is in Your Vicinity

1. Avoid

If there is an accessible escape path, attempt to evacuate the premises. Be sure to:

Have an escape route and plan in mind

Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow

Leave your belongs behind

Help others escape, if possible

Prevent individuals from entering an area where the active shooter may be

Keep your hands visible

Follow the instructions of any police officers

Do not attempt to move wounded people

Call 911 when you are safe

2. Barricade

If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the active shooter is less likely to find you. Your hiding place should:

Be out of the active shooter’s view

Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction (i.e., a dorm with a closed and locked door)

Not trap you or restrict your options for movement. To prevent an active shooter from entering your hiding place, lock the door or blockade the door with heavy furniture

If the active shooter is nearby:

Lock the door

Silence your cell phone

Turn off any source of noise (i.e., radios, televisions)

Hide behind large items (i.e., cabinets, desks)

Remain quiet

If evacuation and hiding out are not possible:

Remain calm

Dial 911, if possible, to alert the police to the active shooter’s location

If you cannot speak, leave the line open and allow the dispatcher to listen

3. Confront

As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter by:

Acting as aggressively as possible against him/her

Throwing items and improvising weapons

Yelling

Committing to your actions

How to Respond when Law Enforcement Arrives

Law enforcement’s purpose is to stop the active shooter as soon as possible. Officers will proceed directly to the area in which the last shots were heard.

Officers may shout commands, and may push individual to the ground for their safety

The first officers to arrive to the scene will not stop to help injured persons. Expect rescue teams comprised of additional officers and emergency medical personnel to follow the initial officers. These rescue teams will treat and remove any injured persons. They may also call upon able-bodies individuals to assist in removing the wounded from the premises. Once you have reached a safe location or an assemble point, you will likely be held in that area by law enforcement until the situation is under control, and all witnesses have been identified and questions. Do no leave until law enforcement authorities have instructed you to do so.

How to react when law enforcement arrives:

Remain calm, and follow officers’ instructions

Put down any items in your hands (i.e., bags, jackets)

Immediately raise hands and spread fingers

Keep hands visible at all times

Avoid making quick movements toward officers such as holding on to them for safety

Avoid pointing, screaming and/or yelling

Do not stop to ask officers for help or direction when evacuating, just proceed in the direction from which officers are entering the premises